The Importance of Paternal Conflicts.

Sometimes, in deference to Dad instead of the Spirit I want to say:"You..." Oh well, these are some of the things that people think when dealing with the family conflicts that we face. "Keep your tongue from evil."
God is good! We are fallen and the constant struggle to maintain family unity is why I remember yesterday everyday.
My father and I had unique and intense conflicts. Verbally and philosophically we went toe to toe and he allowed me, at times, to challenge his thinking.
I was harder to challenge than the rest of the children. My leaving stuff plugged in and leaving the toothpaste open and leaving the tub running and other stubborn mishaps were always dealt with firmly, if not, stomped upon completely. Still, I persist in many of these bad habits to this day.
How much challenge should we engage in with the children is the question. We are not going to annihilate their wills completely and if we do we will end up with discouraged and unmotivated children.
Strengthening the good points is the goal for me at this point. Hopefully the good points will cover up the vices and I will let God and providence deal with those.